Alexander Valley

This is a very nice Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is tight on opening.  With air, it shows cassis, black cherries, spice and slight char.  Full bodied.  Soft texture.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, flavors of cassis, black cherries and slight blueberries.  Good finish.  This is drinking well but it won't get better, just more mature.  Drink over the next five years.  It is nice on its own but probably better with food.  This would work very well with a (Veggie) Burger.  

First time trying this winery.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is lovely.  Complex aromas of cassis, black cherries, cedar, spice and slight earthy/tobacco notes.  Full bodied.  Medium to firm tannins.  Good balance.  On the palate, there is plenty of depth.  Not yet at peak but getting close.  Flavors of cassis, chocolate, clay, and damp earthiness.  Good finish.  Drink over the next eight to twelve years.  It is great on its own and will work well with many foods.  A nice choice with a Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for the Holidays. 

Sadly, this was very badly corked.  TCA.  Not rated.

Fred Scherrer makes classic old school Zinfandel.  Deep ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose is nice with bramble, cherries, slight black cherries and char.  medium to full bodied.  On the palate, cherries with a slight cough drop note.  Anise on the finish.  Overall a very enjoyable, non-flamboyant Zin.  It is nice on its own but probably better with food.  A great choice for Burgers off the grill.  Drink over the  next few years.  

This is a blend of 85.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.9% Merlot, 2.9% Petite Verdot, 1.4% Malbec, and 0.1% Cabernet Franc from Sonoma.  Purple/ruby in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cassis, cedar, dust and spice.  Full bodied.  Soft texture.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, flavors of black cherries with some dry earthiness.  Nice finish.  This is at or just past peak at this point.  it drinks well on its own and will work with many foods.  A nice hoice for Brisket.  Drink up.  

This is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc, and 6% Malbec.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, char, tobacco, slight graphite and spice.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, this drinks well.  Flavors of cassis, plums with some tobacco and char.  Good finish.  This is drinking well on its own and will work nicely with beef dishes.  Drink over the next five to ten years.